NFL Mock Draft: Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers reload at key positions

Anthony Licciardi

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NFL Mock Draft: Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers reload at key positions image

Last season, the Atlanta Falcons played host to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and watched quarterback Kirk Cousins throw for 509 yards in an overtime win on Thursday Night Football.

This time around, Cousins is back in the saddle, and when the Falcons travel to Tampa for the Week 15 opener, they'll do so hoping to make the most of a lost season. By now, it's imperative. Atlanta's first-round pick is in the hands of the Los Angeles Rams, and a vulnerable Buccaneers team is in danger of losing a once-decided NFC South.

These are flawed teams in a division that is winnable every year, especially as each team rolls on without an elite quarterback. How could they attack the 2026 NFL Draft to position themselves for a future run?

Atlanta Falcons three-round mock draft

Round 2, Pick 42: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina

Cisse follows Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell as a boundary corner who has the size and tenacity in run defense to project well in the slot, despite spending the vast majority of his time on the boundary. 

It's possible that not cracking 6'0", weighing under 200 pounds, and running slower than a 4.50 keeps him out of the Round 1 conversation. Even so, Cisse has three seasons of quality play to his name, the last of which came in the SEC.

With decent ball production and early-round buzz, Cisse is positioned well to start opposite AJ Terrell, with a pivot inside arguably elevating his stock.

Round 3, Pick 73: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia

There's a kinship with Georgia prospects staying home to play in Atlanta at the next level, and Branch's strong junior season has kept him viable as a potential Day 2 option.

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Branch, like Cisse, will have to fight his frame on Sundays. But as a juiced-up slot receiver who can make a living on manufactured touches, there's a lot to like. He led the SEC with 73 receptions after transferring from USC and has enough "real receiver" traits to trust as a starter. Branch's skill set complements Drake London well and could provide next year's offense with an easy route to explosive plays.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers three-round mock draft

Round 1, Pick 19: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Styles may not be available at No. 19 for many more mock drafts, but while his stock resides in the middle of Round 1, it's an opportunity to replace Lavonte David with a true first-round talent.

Styles has taken every step necessary to earn confidence against the run, completely cleaning up his tackling without sacrificing physicality or aggression. The former safety still has impressive coverage skills, and the closer he gets to Sundays, the more it looks like he is processing at a high level.

His hype has taken a back seat to Arvell Reese's meteoric rise, but if one views Reese as a hybrid or true edge defender, then Styles has an easy claim to the LB1 throne.

Round 2, Pick 52: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

While Styles is an undeniable riser, Parker has taken a less savory route to April. He began the season as the consensus EDGE1, but struggled to hold onto that spot once September started. As Clemson fell short of their championship aspirations, Parker's stock took a hit, and other, more dynamic edge rushers have caught the eyes of evaluators.

However, Parker is still physical enough to play the runs on early downs. His knack for speed-to-power is more trustworthy than others' pass-rush arsenals, and there is some upside to be unlocked from his athleticism. He isn't the blue-chip prospect we were promised, but as a plug-and-play starter, he'd add credibility to a defensive line that cannot pin long-term hopes on Haason Reddick.

Round 3, Pick 83: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State

Cade Otton has done an admirable job in the middle of the Buccaneers' offense. He is set to be a free agent after the season, though, and Tampa could prioritize other departing veterans. 

Klare offers a similar skill set. He's at his best operating against zone over the middle of the field, and is more trustworthy than dynamic. With enough competence as a blocker to retain in-line versatility, there's a world in which he mirrors Otton and is interchangeable with him in 12 personnel.

It was a down year for Klare, who many expected to run away as the draft's top tight end. That doesn't have to stop him from making an impact in Year 1, although the likelihood of him playing the vast majority of snaps has decreased. 

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